Engaged LEISURE activities, such as recreational cycling, can have a significant impact on individuals' well-being and SATISFACTION. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the relative contribution of serious LEISURE to perceived well-being and SATISFACTION with LEISURE activities among recreational cyclists. This research is descriptive-correlational in nature and applied in purpose, conducted through a field method. The statistical population included recreational cyclists in Iran who engage in cycling at least once a week during appropriate seasons. Since accurate statistics were unavailable, a minimum sample size of 384 participants was selected based on the Morgan table and through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire, and analysis was performed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov (KS) test and Pearson correlation in SPSS software, version 26. The findings indicated a positive and significant relationship between serious LEISURE and perceived well-being, as well as between serious LEISURE and SATISFACTION with LEISURE activities. Overall, the results suggest that balancing serious LEISURE and perceived well-being can play a crucial role in increasing recreational cyclists' SATISFACTION with their LEISURE activities. These findings could serve as a guide to enhancing the quality of LEISURE activities. Keywords: Serious LEISURE, Perceived Well-Being, SATISFACTION, Cycling, Sports Recreation 1. IntroductionStudies indicate that although Iranians have more LEISURE time than the global average, the time dedicated to LEISURE activities in Iran is below the global standard (Safiri & Modiri, 2011). Recreational sports, such as cycling, focus on promoting enjoyment, strengthening physical and mental well-being, and providing an accessible opportunity for all, without emphasizing the intensity of the activity (Abdollahifar et al., 1400). Cycling, as a form of serious LEISURE, enhances participants' motivation and commitment while positively impacting their physical and mental health (Herman, 2015; Chun-An Chen, 2020). This study aims to explore the relationship between serious LEISURE, perceived well-being, and SATISFACTION with LEISURE activities among recreational cyclists. Additionally, it examines the role of gender as a mediating and moderating variable in this relationship. The findings of this research are expected to promote greater participation in LEISURE activities, contribute to the sustainable development of public sports, and serve as a practical resource for sports managers and urban planners. 2. Literature ReviewLEISURE, defined as time free from obligations and driven by self-motivation (Plummer, 2009), significantly impacts quality of life, physical and mental health, and even therapeutic outcomes through recreation (Lin et al., 2013; Cowan et al., 2014; Hutchinson et al., 2008). Engaging in LEISURE activities enhances mood, life SATISFACTION, and overall health (Newman & Diener, 2014; Chizari et al., 2020). A specific form of LEISURE, known as serious LEISURE, demands greater discipline and commitment, often resulting in increased self-confidence, self-esteem, continuous learning, and even career development (Stevens, 2017, 2018; Elkington & Stevens, 2014). Activities such as sports, art, and sightseeing provide positive physical and mental benefits (Zhang & Huang, 2018), with sports, in particular, fostering physical and mental growth (Maroufnejad & Amiri, 1400; Barbosa, 2018). Research indicates that participating in LEISURE activities correlates with improved mental health and quality of life (Mansfield et al., 2020; Park et al., 2017), while LEISURE SATISFACTION enhances key dimensions of well-being, including self-esteem, resilience, and life SATISFACTION (Larsen et al., 2015; Barbieri & Sotomayor, 2013). 3. MethodologyThis descriptive-correlational, applied study aimed to examine the relative contribution of serious LEISURE to perceived well-being and SATISFACTION with LEISURE activities among recreational cyclists (both men and women). The study's target population included cyclists who were active at least once a week and had more than three years of experience in recreational cycling. Using available sampling and based on the Morgan table, a minimum of 384 questionnaires were distributed, ensuring the gender ratio of the sample was balanced. The data were collected using three standardized questionnaires: serious LEISURE, sports well-being, and SATISFACTION with LEISURE activities. The validity of these questionnaires was confirmed by experts, and their reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Data analysis was performed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and correlation tests with SPSS version 26. 4. ResultsThe results of the Pearson test (due to the normal distribution of data) showed that with a significance level of less than 0.05 (P=0.001), there is a positive and significant relationship between serious LEISURE and perceived well-being among recreational cyclists, both male and female. This relationship is confirmed with 95% confidence, although the intensity of the components varies in some cases. Additionally, the results of the Pearson test for SATISFACTION with LEISURE activities indicated that with a significance level of less than 0.05 (P=0.001), there is a positive and significant relationship between serious LEISURE and SATISFACTION with LEISURE activities among male and female recreational cyclists, with a higher intensity observed among female cyclists. 5. ConclusionThe overall conclusion of this study highlights that a crucial factor in enhancing SATISFACTION with LEISURE activities is achieving a balance between serious LEISURE and perceived well-being among cyclists. In other words, the more cyclists are engaged and stimulated by a LEISURE activity, the greater their SATISFACTION with it. Furthermore, the findings reveal that many previous studies in Iran have broadly examined the concept of LEISURE without a focused approach, often overlooking the psychological dimension of serious LEISURE. This research, however, places a strong emphasis on serious LEISURE, shedding light on its significant role in shaping the quality of LEISURE experiences and contributing to overall well-being.